The WA Government will become the first state in the country to ban synthetic cannabis.

The move comes after an investigation by Government agencies into the effects of products that mimic cannabis.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton says there is enough evidence the substance harms people who smoke to warrant the ban.

Ms Morton says anyone caught with the drugs from Friday, when the ban goes into effect, will face severe penalties.

"If people have stocked up and have a certain amount of this product on hand, that will be considered (as) possession with intent to sell or supply," she said.

"The penalty for that is up to $100,000 and or 25 years' jail."

The synthetic cannabinoids are contained in products such as kronic, kalma, voodoo, kaos and mango kush, which are sold in a number of shops.

Ms Morton says she does not encourage people to stockpile the substances.

"People need to understand that that would be a very harmful thing to do, both for themselves and the people around them," she said.

"These products, commonly sold as incense, are being smoked by people seeking effects similar to those of cannabis and these people are placing their health at risk."

Questioned

Opposition health spokesman Roger Cook says the decision to allow the sale of synthetic cannabis until Friday is wrong.

"It's an unusual signal to send to the community; one, that this drug is harmful, but two, that you've got four days to respond to this particluar measure," he said.

"What the Government seems to be saying on the one hand is this is a dangerous drug we're going to outlaw it; on the other hand you've got four days to do what you like with it.

"What we want to see is a comprehensive response to drug law reform in this state."

Police Minister Rob Johnson has advised every police station in the state that they can receive kronic and any other synthetic cannabinoids from now until Friday to ensure safe disposal.

The chemicals in the banned substances will come under the Poisons Act, and the Misuse of Drugs Act will be amended.

Last week the Government banned synthetic cannabis from prisons.

Kronic produces similar effects to cannabis and there are reports of hallucinatory properties, while some people using it have recorded irregular heartbeats, anxiety and depression.

Unsafe

A number of mining companies have already banned kronic on their sites.

A drug expert says it affects judgment so it is a risk on mine sites in terms of driving and operating machinery.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy director Damian Callachor said companies have warned staff it is not acceptable.

"We understand that some companies are giving consideration to providing penalties in terms of formal warnings to staff who are perhaps in receipt or are found out to be utilising the substance," he said.

The ChemCentre has recorded samples where there is a 10 per cent hit rate but it says on some sites, the rate is as high as 30 per cent of random drug testing.

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